Boost for Sarri as Man City star is considered a ‘serious doubt’ for Chelsea clash next month

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is a ‘serious doubt’ for next month’s clash against Chelsea, according to reports.

The 27-year-old was in stunning form last season as the Citizens stormed to the Premier League the title in record breaking fashion, but he’s had to watch on from the sidelines for the majority of the current campaign.

The Belgium international has been limited to just five appearances across all competitions thus far.

Having suffered knee injury earlier in the season, De Bruyne then sustained ligament damage in his left knee in the Carabao Cup fourth round against Fulham on November 1.

Initially the ex-Blues star was expected to be out of action for up to six weeks.

The Guardian then claimed the Belgian midfielder was recovering better than expected and that he is aiming to be back for the trip to Watford on December 4 before taking on his former club at Stamford Bridge four days later.

However, a recent update from Het Laatste Nieuws reporter Kristof Terreur has revealed that De Bruyne is unlikely to be risked for the game in west London.

As a result, Pep Guardiola will once again choose between Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva to deputise alongside Fernandinho and David Silva in his likely 4-3-3 formation.

News of De Bruyne being doubtful for the game will be a boost for the Blues’ chances of at least taking points off the reigning champions.

In the corresponding fixture last season it was the City no.17 who netted the winner with a stunning strike in the second half – which was the first of a pair of 2-0 victories for Guardiola’s side.

Before Chelsea can focus on the visit from the current league leaders they have a west London derby against Fulham on Sunday afternoon as well as a trip to Wolves on December 5.